​​​​Richard A. (Rick) Zapalac

Senior Vice President, Gas Operations

Current Position: Senior Vice President, Gas Operations. In this role, he has financial and operational responsibilities for the natural gas distribution utility in a six-state region.

Previous Positions: Zapalac has nearly 40 years of utility experience with CenterPoint Energy and predecessor companies. He had increasing levels of responsibility during the first 23 years in the electric utility and has spent the last 15 years leading the gas business. He has financial and operational responsibility for the natural gas distribution system serving more thatn 3.3 million customers in six states, as well as Gas Supply. Zapalac has been instrumental in executing the company's gas operations business model, which includes successful rate strategies, increasing operational efficiencies, the deployment of technology and a robust capital program focused on system reliability and system safety.

Education and Accreditation: Zapalac earned a bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Affiliations and Honors: He currently serves on the boards of the Texas Legislative Advisory Council, the Texas Gas Association and the Southern Gas Association. He has held various leadership positions, including president, in the Rosenberg/Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce.